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Our Philosophy

Varaison Vineyards produces only single vineyard, single variety, single vintage, Estate bottled Chardonnay.

Chardonnay grapes, known for their exquisite fruit flavors and aromatic notes are one of the classic French varietals. Used in the production of both still wine and Champagne, the Chardonnay grape is one of the most versatile grapes grown worldwide.

Chardonnay grapes are ideally suited to the Grand Valley Appellation consisting of high desert climates buffered by the Colorado and Gunnison Rivers in Western Colorado. All of our grapes are grown in the Grand Valley AVA, picked at their peak of ripeness, hand sorted, and gently pressed to release their juice. The juice is then fermented, cellared, and bottled at our facility in Palisade. Primary fermentation is started in temperature-controlled stainless steel vessels, and then transferred to oak barrels for final fermentation with yeast and lactic acid bacteria. Varaison Vineyards produces a rich, full-bodied, buttery Chardonnay that is lightly oaked in French and American oak barrels for up to a year. These wines are then barrel-aged sur-lees to create a smooth biscuit flavor. Come and enjoy the experience of a full-bodied, perfectly balanced, buttery Chardonnay.


Dessert Wines

Varaison Vineyards produces a variety of sweet dessert wines from the Orange Muscat (Le Fluer D'Orange) and Black Muscat grape grown in the Grand Valley AVA. Black Muscat grapes are produced from the crossing of the Muscat of Alexandria and the Schiava Grossa varieties of grapes. Muscat grapes (muscato) are known for their exquisite aromas emanating from the Terpenes produced by the berries. Strong to subtle notes of orange oil, blackberry, and black currant are well-represented in these wines. Finished sweet with at least 1/2% residual sugar or dry, as a Brut.


Colorado Sparkling Wine and Muscato

Varaision Vineyards has invested heavily into a dedicated sparkling wine facility (Charmat method). All of our Colorado sparkling wine is Estate Bottled from Chardonnay, Orange Muscat, and Black Muscat grapes grown in the Grand Valley AVA. The Chardonnay has a light toast flavor and a smooth biscuit finish from fermentation sur-lees. Exquisitely balanced for acid and smooth finish, this exceptional Colorado sparkling wine is sure to please the most sophisticated palate. Limited production of this product will be made available in 2008.

Black Muscato sparkling wine is new to Varaison in 2008. Produced in limited quantities, this sparkling wine is a unique and pleasing experience! The wine is brilliant pink with aromas of blackberry, strawberry, and honey. This wine is finished as Extra Brut with a bright acidity that is well balanced with the traditional biscuit flavors of fine Champagne. An exceptional and unique wine produced for the first time in 2008.

Orange muscato is produced as a semi-sweet to sweet dessert wine at our Palisade winery. The wine has a rich and smooth body, lingering finish, and is accentuated by the aroma of orange blossom. This is a delightful wine either by itself or paired with semi-sweet dark chocolate, angel food cake, or fresh fruit tortes.

Varaison Vineyards produces a special occasion and wedding sparkling wine which combines the traditional biscuit flavor of Champagne with the aroma of oranges. Mimosa™ is produced as a very limited sparkling wine and is made available only through booking of the new Varaison Pavilion reception facility.



Related News

2nd Annual Parade of Roses, May 31 & June 1, 2008:

• For Entry Rules, Contest Categories, and Entry Form, please download Parade of Roses Invitation.pdf.

• To view the 2nd Annual Parade of Roses Poster, please download Parade of Roses Poster.pdf.


Varaison Vineyards Press Release - April 10, 2008:

Varaison Vineyards and Winery is excited to announce the grand opening of the Varaison
Garden in Palisade, CO. Varaison Vineyards and Winery in cooperation with David Austin Roses
has integrated this beautifully landscaped garden into the winery facility at 405 W. First Street,
Palisade, CO.

Read the complete Press Release about the new Varaison Garden...



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